Pneumococcal vaccine
provides protection against Streptococcus pneumoniae, which can cause
sinusitis, acute otitis media (AOM), bacteremia, meningitis, pneumonia, and
death. Pneumococcal 21-valent conjugate
(PCV21) vaccine is purified capsular polysaccharides from S. pneumoniae
serotypes 3, 6A, 7F, 8, 9N, 10A, 11A, 12F, 15A, 15B (de-O-acetylated prior to
conjugation), 16F, 17F, 19A, 20A, 22F, 23A, 23B, 24F, 31, 33F, and 35B
individually conjugated to CRM197 carrier protein.
On June 17, 2024,
PCV21 was approved by the US FDA for the prevention of invasive disease caused by
S. pneumoniae serotypes 3, 6A, 7F, 8, 9N, 10A, 11A, 12F, 15A,15B,
15C, 16F, 17F, 19A, 20A, 22F, 23A, 23B, 24F, 31, 33F, and 35B in individuals 18
years of age and older.
PCV21 vaccine is covered as a preventive service for individuals
18 years of age and older who currently have a recommendation to receive a dose
of PCV.
EXPERIMENTAL/INVESTIGATIONAL
PCV21 vaccine is considered experimental/investigational and, therefore, not covered for individuals younger than 18 years of age.